Union Minister for Tourism Shri G. Kishan Reddy presided over a virtual function organized today to observe the National Tourism Day. The event was dedicated to the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' being celebrated to mark 75 years of India's independence.

Among other dignitaries who graced the occasion were four Union Secretaries - Shri Upendra Prasad Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Smt. Leena Nandan,Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Arvind Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Shri Govind Mohan, Secretary, Ministry of Culture. Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, Shri G. Asok Kumar, also participated in the discussion. Shri Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group and Col. Manoj Keshwar, a world explorer and motorcycle adventurer also joined the two-hour long virtual event.

Shri G. Kishan Reddytalked about the remarkable position India has, on a global scale, because of the presence of marvelous places that are famous as tourist destinations. He quoted the analytics of a 2021 survey which suggested that 30% of employment can be solely generated out of the tourism sector in India. He highlighted that the initiatives such as distribution of the first 5 lakh tourist visas free of cost to international travelers and allocation of around 3500 coaches for tourism industry for the curation of various tourism circuit trains such as Buddhist Circuit will benefit the tourism sector.

He focused upon the need to instill exuberance in the youth regarding tourism thereby lauding the decision to open 'Tourist Clubs' from Schools to University levels to create awareness among them and encouraging them to visit the splendid tourist destinations across the country. While highlighting the initiatives being undertaken to improve the employment generation through tourism in North East India, he also took pride in mentioning that each single department in the Government has been working unitedly and enthusiastically to give the tourism sector in the nation, the new wings to fly.

Shri G. Asok Kumar,Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, Ministry of Jal Shakti, spoke about the linkage between the rivers and tourism. He focussed upon the development of tourism along the river Ganga.'Incredible India' and 'Atithi Devo Bhava' have been India's two dynamics embodying the traditional Indian philosophy of revering guests, Shri Asok highlighted, while mentioning the immense tourism potential, river Ganga holds.

Quoting the age-old phrase "Kan Kan me Shankar", he underlined people's devotion and the holy significance of river Ganga. Mentioning some of the classifications for the development and preservation of Ganga such as Nirmal Ganga, Aviral Ganga, Gyan Ganga and Jan Ganga, he also talked about the efforts being undertaken to improve income and employment opportunities of people living around basins through 'Arth Ganga', and cultural tourism in the region.

He mentioned that establishment of various Ganga museums, adventure sports, performing Aartis on pious Ghats of Ganga etc. have given an unprecedented fillip to the tourism sector in the country. He said there has been a deep connect between people and the rivers since ages, and sustainable tourism is what we finally aim for.

To appreciate the magnificent beauty of India's rich heritage and spread awareness about the significance of tourism and its impact on the economy, the National Tourism Dayis celebrated every year on January 25 across the country.